All of the leading oil refiner stocks have been strong since mid-January and remain strong on the charts. The refining sector has outperformed other sectors in the energy space.

Valero Corp. (NYSE: VLO) is a leading independent oil refiner. In mid-January Valero stock was trading around the $24.00 level before breaking out and reaching the $30.00 level in mid-February. Valero stock pulled back with the major stock indexes in late February and early March finding support around the $26.00 level which was another higher low. When stocks make this type of pattern it is a sign of strength. Today, Valero stock is trading higher by 0.74 cents to $29.90 a share. The $30.50 level will be minor near term daily chart resistance. Should Valero close significantly above that level on volume the stock could have an upside bias into the $32.50 resistance area.

Tesoro Corp. (NYSE: TSO) is a leading oil refiner that can refine both light and heavy crude. This stock is trading higher today by 0.69 cents to $26.68 a share. The stock is attempting to making a new 52 week high this morning and remains strong on the charts. Should Tesoro stock close at a new high the next important resistance level for this stock is around the $30.00 area.

Frontier Oil Corp. (NYSE: FTO) is another leading oil refining company. This stock is trading higher this morning by $1.43 to $28.42 a share. The recent 52 week high was made on February 17, 2011 at $29.27 a share. Therefore, the $29.50 level will still be near term minor daily chart resistance. The current pattern on the charts remains strong at this time as the stock trades above the daily 20, and 50 moving averages. The next important resistance for the stock should it make a new high will be around the $32.00 area.

About the Zacks Community

In 2008, Zacks Investment Research launched PeopleAndPicks.com, a stock-picking website where members of the Zacks community can test their strategies and share ideas with other members. Each user is scored on the accuracy of his or her picks, and top users are rewarded with free products from Zacks. Registration is free. To learn more about People And Picks, visit http://at.zacks.com/?id=5957

About Zacks

Zacks.com is a property of Zacks Investment Research, Inc., which was formed in 1978 by Leonard Zacks. As a PhD in mathematics Len knew he could find patterns in stock market data that would lead to superior investment results. Amongst his many accomplishments was the formation of his proprietary stock picking system; the Zacks Rank, which continues to outperform the market by nearly a 3:1 margin. The best way to unlock the profitable stock recommendations and market insights of Zacks Investment Research is through our free daily email newsletter; Profit from the Pros. In short, it's your steady flow of Profitable ideas GUARANTEED to be worth your time! Register for your free subscription to Profit From the Pros by going to http://at.zacks.com/?id=5958.

Zacks Investment Research is under common control with affiliated entities (including a broker-dealer and an investment adviser), which may engage in transactions involving the foregoing securities for the clients of such affiliates.

Disclaimer: Past performance does not guarantee future results. Investors should always research companies and securities before making any investments. Nothing herein should be construed as an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any security.